High value display case system

ABSTRACT

A display case system has a display case, a gateway, and a communication device. The display case houses a product. The gateway is coupled to the display case and communicates with a client device associated with the product in the display case. A communication device is coupled to the gateway and enables a communication session between the communication device and the client device associated with the product. The client device remotely locks and unlocks the display case to allow access to the product based on the communication session.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates generally to the field of computer technology,and in a specific example embodiment, a display case system for highvalue items.

BACKGROUND

To combat theft in retail stores, many retailers keep high valuemerchandise in locked display cases or off the shopping floor with onlya tag and a description of the product. For products in locked displaycases, the only way a customer can retrieve the product is by findingthe right store personnel with the right key to unlock the display case.For tagged products, tags need to be brought to certain sections of thestore to be picked up after the purchase is made.

Such processes cause a lot of frustration for many consumers. Customersmay end up going elsewhere for their products, which results in lostsales to the retail store. Such locked display cases, originallydesigned to deter shoplifters, are also deterring sales.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a network diagram depicting a high value display case system,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a block diagram illustrating a high value display caseaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating a communication device in usewith the high value display case according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of agateway;

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating another example embodiment of agateway;

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of aweb-based monitoring application of a gateway;

FIG. 2D is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of adisplay case application;

FIG. 2E is a block diagram illustrating a table for a display caseapplication;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a webserver;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of one embodiment of an example method formonitoring and controlling devices attached to a gateway;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of an example method foroperating a high value display case system;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of one embodiment of an example method forproviding a high value display case system;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of one embodiment of an example method for makinguse of a high value display case system;

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exampleform of a computer system within which a set of instructions may beexecuted to cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein; and

FIG. 9 is a screenshot of an example of a graphical user interface atthe client device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the present invention has been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

In various embodiments, a display case system is described. The displaycase system includes a display case, a gateway, and a communicationdevice. The display case houses a product. The gateway is coupled to thedisplay case and communicates with a client device associated with theproduct in the display case. A communication device is coupled to thegateway and enables a communication session between the communicationdevice and the client device associated with the product. The clientdevice remotely locks and unlocks the display case to allow access tothe product based on the communication session.

FIG. 1A is a network diagram depicting a network system 100, accordingto one embodiment, for exchanging data over a computer network 112 (e.g.TCP/IP network). For example, the network system 100 comprises clientdevices 102, 103, web server 110, and gateway 116 at a site (e.g.,retail store) 136.

For purposes of the present embodiment, the terms “sites” and “premises”refer to any location to be monitored, whether residential, commercial,public, or secured. Further, the term “a” is generally used in thepresent disclosure to mean one or more. Still further, the terms“coupled” and “operatively coupled” mean connected in such a way thatdata may be exchanged. It is understood that “coupled” and “operativelycoupled” do not require a direct connection, a wired connection, or evena permanent connection. It is sufficient for purposes of the presentembodiment that the connection(s) be established for the sole purpose ofexchanging information.

The client device 102 may be associated with a product, such as productA. The client device 103 may be associated with another product, such asproduct B. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that eachclient device may be associated with one or more products from a samecategory, brand, type or any other contextual relationship. For example,client device 102 may be associated with all digital cameras on displayat the retail store 136.

The client devices 102, 103 are connected to the computer network 112.The client devices 102, 103 can include, but are not limited to, adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a mobile computing device, a mobilesmart phone device, and so forth. A network interface means is providedto enable the client devices 102, 103 to send and receive data to andfrom the computer network 112. The client device 102 includes a webbrowser 104 that may be in communication with the web server 110 via thecomputer network 112. The client device 103 includes a clientapplication 105 that may be in communication with the web server 110 viathe computer network 112. The web browser 104 and the client application105 may be used to display some or all of the information and monitoringdata provided by gateway 116.

The computer network 112 includes a local area network (LAN) whereGigabit Ethernet switches are used to switch data. In another example,the computer network 112 includes a wide area network (WAN), such as theInternet. In general, computer network 112 may be a public network orprivate network, and a single network or a combination of severalnetworks. In most embodiments, computer network 112 may be, but is notrequired to be, an IP-based network. In some embodiments it may bedesirable for all or a portion of network 112 to include publiclyavailable networks, such as the Internet, to avoid the need forinstalling, purchasing, or leasing additional infrastructure.

The web server 110 may also connect to the computer network 112 both toreceive and transmit data. The web server 110 may also be referred to asa web-based host. The web server 110 is connected to the computernetwork 112 by means of a network interface. The network interface cantake the form of a network interface card (not shown) installed withinthe web server 110 to enable data to be sent and received to and fromthe computer network 112 by the web server 110.

In one embodiment, the web server 110 identifies one or more gateway(s)for the client devices 102, 103 to communicate with, so as to monitorand/or control the security devices connected to the correspondinggateway(s).

In another embodiment, the web server 110 may provide server-sidefunctionality, via the computer network 112, to the client devices 102,103. The client devices 102, 103 may enable users who utilize thenetwork system 100 and, more specifically, the web server 110, to viewmonitoring data (e.g., audio/video feed) from security devices andcontrol security devices (e.g., locks) connected to gateway 116 over thecomputer network 112. These transactions may include transmitting,receiving (communicating) and processing data to, from, and regardingmonitoring data and users of the network system 100. The data mayinclude, but are not limited to audio, video, picture, metadata, cameraconfiguration data, client device configuration data, and network datamonitoring data. The web server 110 can provide other functionsincluding storing monitoring data to an internal or external diskstorage device (not shown), and playing back recorded monitoring data.

In one embodiment, the web server 110 may include a directory ofgateways and the location of corresponding connected security devices.The web server 110 is described in more detail below with respect toFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C. As such, the web server 110 may correlate thegateway 116 to retail store 136. In one embodiment, the correlation maybe generated pursuant to pre-defined settings or configured based onuser profile, organization topology, hierarchy, bandwidth and otherfactors. For example, a user at client device 102 may be a customerservice representative associated with retail stores located on the Westcoast. As such, based on the user profile and the organization topology,the user can access the gateway 116 to obtain monitoring data fromretail store 136 and other gateways in retail stores located on the Westcoast. In other words, the user does not have to communicate directlywith several gateways to monitor all security devices attached to thecorresponding gateways. In another embodiment, the web server 110 maycorrelate gateway 116 with other gateways. In yet another embodiment,the other gateways may be correlated with other gateways. For example,information from other gateways correlated with the gateway 116 may becommunicated with the user at the client devices 102 or 103.

Generally, the gateway 116 includes a processor-based device thatoperates to monitor conditions at a target site or premise, analyzemonitoring data, detect alarm conditions at the target site or premise,capture information relating to such alarm conditions, and send suchmonitoring information to client devices 102, 103 and/or the web server110.

Security devices are connected to the gateway 116 via LAN 122.Monitoring devices include, for example, sensors. The gateways are notlimited to connecting to any specific type or model of sensors ormonitoring devices. Any sensor may be used, depending on the desiredtype and level of protection. Examples include, without limitation,microphones, cameras, magnetic contact switches, audio sensors, infraredsensors, motion detectors, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide sensors.

For illustration purposes, a display case 123 for product A at retailstore 136 includes a display case switch/lock 124, a communicationdevice 126, and a service call button 128. The display case switch/lock124 is connected to and controlled by the communication device 126 (forexample, via a contact closure component of the communication device 126that controls a relay connected to the display case switch/lock 124).The communication device 126 includes for example a microphone, aspeaker, a video camera, and a display device among others. The servicecall button 128 may include a physical switch or a button connected tothe communication device 126. In one embodiment, the service call button128 is configured to communicate with the gateway 116 to alert thesystem of a customer's request to access the display case.

Another display case 129 for product B at retail store 136 includes adisplay case switch/lock 130, a communication device 132, and a virtualservice call button 134 as part of the communication device 132. Forexample, the communication device 132 may include a touchscreen, amicrophone, and a video camera. The touchscreen may act as a virtualservice call button 134 when the customer touches the screen to activatethe service call.

The display case switches/locks 124, 130 each include, for example, alocking mechanism such as a lock or a switch. The locking mechanism isconnected and triggered by a relay. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that other types of locking mechanisms may be used tosecure the display case.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram depicting a high value display case system137 according to one embodiment. A display case 138 includes anenclosure made of, for example, a transparent material (e.g., glass).The display case 138 includes an opening flap 140 that allows thecustomer to reach inside the display case 138 to grab one or moreproducts displayed therein. The opening flap 140 may be coupled by ahinge along one of its sides to the display case 138.

The switch/lock 124 is positioned between the display case 138 and theopening flap 140 to allow the opening flap 140 to be locked or unlocked.In one embodiment, the switch/lock 124 is connected to a relay 142 thatis triggered by the communication device 126. In one embodiment, theservice call button 139 included a physical button connected to thecommunication device 126. In another embodiment, the service call button139 may be part of the communication device 126 and implemented as avirtual button on a touchscreen of the communication device 126. Thecommunication device 126 is connected to the gateway 116.

FIG. 1C is a block diagram illustrating the communication device 126 inuse with the high value display case according to one embodiment. Thecommunication device 126 includes for example, a touchscreen 144, anaudio video module 146, a storage device 150, a touchscreen applicationmodule 152, and a network interface 154.

The audio video module 146 is configured to provide audio and videocapability to the touchscreen 144. In one embodiment, the audio videomodule 146 includes a video camera, speakers, and a microphone.

The touchscreen application module 152 is configured to provideapplications to the touchscreen 144. For example, the touchscreenapplication module 152 may include software components to generate avirtual service call button on the touchscreen 144. Furthermore, thetouchscreen application module 152 includes software components toenable operation of the video camera, the speakers and the microphone soas to establish a (audio/video) communication session.

In another embodiment, the touchscreen application module 152 mayinclude software components to generate ads, surveys, graphical userinterface on the touchscreen 144. The software components may be pushedfrom the gateway 116. As such, the touchscreen can be updated with thelatest promotion, ads, or graphical user/customer interface. Forexample, the touchscreen 144 may display an ad or a promotion for theproduct in the display case 138. In another example, the touchscreen 144may display a customer satisfaction survey for the customer to rate thecommunication session. As an incentive, the customer may receive acredit or discount on the product or a future purchase for filling outthe survey on the touchscreen. In another example, the touchscreen mayallow the customer to rate the customer service and provided his emailaddress for future promotions.

The storage device 150 may be configured to store communication sessionsand applications or software components for the touchscreen applicationmodule 152. The storage device 150 may be located internally orexternally (e.g. external hard drive) to the communication device 126.The network interface 154 enables the communication device 126 tocommunicate with the gateway 116. In one embodiment, the communicationsessions may also be uploaded and stored on the gateway 116 or a remoteclient device.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of agateway 200. The gateway 200 includes a network interface 202, APImodules 206, application modules 208, driver modules 210, a web-basedmonitoring application 228, and a storage device 212. The networkinterface 202 enables the gateway 200 to communicate with the computernetwork 112. The API modules 206 enable the gateway 200 to interface thegateway with the client devices 102, 106, the web server 110, and otherthird party devices (not shown). The application modules 208 enable thegateway 200 to monitor or control the corresponding monitoring orcontrolling devices connected to the gateway 200. In addition, theapplication modules 208 enable the gateway 200 to provide add-onexpandable services, as discussed further below. In one embodiment, theapplication modules 208 include a display case application 209 that isfurther discussed below in FIG. 2D. The driver modules 210 includedevice drivers to enable interaction of the application modules 208 withthe hardware of the corresponding monitoring or controlling devices. Theweb-based monitoring application 228 enables the gateway 200 tocommunicate monitoring and controlling data to the client device. Theweb-based monitoring application 228 is discussed in more detail withrespect to FIG. 2C. The storage device 212 may be used to storemonitoring data from the monitoring devices connected to the gateway200, APIs from API modules 206, software applications from applicationmodules 208, device drivers from driver modules 210, and a configurationof the gateway 200. For example, the configuration of the gateway 200may include a topology or hierarchy at a user level, organization level,or partner level. The configuration of the gateway 200 may specificallyinclude an enterprise configuration of the gateway 200 (based on thetopology/hierarchy previously mentioned). In one embodiment, theconfiguration of the gateway 200 may be replicated to other gatewaysthat are correlated by the web server based on the topology/hierarchy.For example, some gateways can have access control to a limited numberof security devices. In another embodiment, each gateway may be customconfigured. In another embodiment, the gateway is configured toaggregate data from multiple gateways (which may be correlated by theweb server 110 based on the topology) and present the aggregated data tothe client device.

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating another example embodiment ofthe gateway 200. For example, the gateway 200 includes a camera API 213,a camera application module 214, and camera drivers 215. The camera API213 provides an interface to the web browser 104 or the clientapplication 108 of the client device to receive and send data from acamera connected to the gateway 200. The camera application module 214enables the client device to receive data (e.g., audio and video) fromthe camera via the camera API 213. In another embodiment, the cameraapplication module 214 enables the client device to send data to thecamera (e.g., focus, tilt, pan, zoom) to the camera via the camera API213. The camera drivers 215 include one or more drivers for differentbrands or manufacturers of cameras.

In another example, the gateway 200 also includes an access control API216, an access control application module 218, and access controldrivers 220. The access control API 216 provides an interface to the webbrowser 104 or the client application 108 of the client device toreceive and send data from an access control device (e.g., a door accessat a monitored site) connected to the gateway 200. The access controlapplication module 218 enables the client device to receive data (e.g.time and ID log of the door access at the monitored site) from theaccess control device via the access control API 216. In anotherembodiment, the access control module 218 enables the client device tosend data to the access control device (e.g., open, close, lock door) tothe access control device via the access control API 216. The accesscontrol drivers 220 include one or more drivers for different brands ormanufacturers of access control devices.

One advantage of one of the embodiments of the gateway 200 is theability to easily connect additional devices or third party devices.This is illustrated with respect to other API 222, other module 224, andother drivers 226. As such, the gateway 200 is not limited to anyparticular manufacturer of devices or brand of devices. The gateway 200allows for easy expansion and plug-in features using additional APIs,corresponding modules, and corresponding device drivers.

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of aweb-based monitoring application 228 of the gateway 200. The web-basedmonitoring application 228 enables client devices to remotely monitorand control monitoring and controlling devices connected to the gateway200 via the web browser 104 or the client application 108 at the clientdevices 102, 103.

In one embodiment, the web-based monitoring application 228 includes acommunication module 230 and a remote devices management module 240. Thecommunication module 230 enables communication between the gateway 200and the client devices 102, 103. The remote devices management module240 enables the client devices 102, 103 to monitor or control themonitoring or controlling devices connected to the gateway 200.

For example, the communication module 230 includes a user authenticationmodule 232, a user access policy module 234, a web server authenticationmodule 236, and a transport module 238.

The user authentication module 232 authenticates a user at the clientdevice based on a user profile of the user. An example of userauthentication may include verifying the username and password providedby the client device with a predefined user profile. The predefined userprofile may be stored in the storage device 212 or at the web server110.

The user access policy module 234 limits or grants the user at theclient device access to the monitoring and/or controlling devicesconnected to the gateway. For example, a user with limited privilegesmay have access to the monitoring data of a particular site (e.g., firstfloor only) or a specific monitoring device (e.g. HVAC only). On theother hand, a user with executive privilege may be able to viewmonitoring data and control security devices from more sites.

The web server authentication module 236 authenticates a communicationbetween the gateway 200 and the web server 110. For example, the gateway200 transmits a unique token to the web server 110 for authenticationprior to establishing the secured communication. Those of ordinary skillin the art will recognize that other means of authentication between thegateway 200 and the web server 110 may be used.

The transport module 238 enables peer-to-peer communication betweengateways. As such, a client device communicating with one gateway at afirst location is also able to communicate with another gateway at asecond location.

For example, the remote devices management module 240 of the web-basedmonitoring application 228 includes an analytics module 242, an eventaggregation module 244, an event-based control module 246, and aclient-based control module 248.

The analytics module 242 analyzes audio/video and other detected changesfrom the monitoring devices and generates events based on the analysis.For example, the analytics module 242 is capable of determining how manypeople have entered or left an activity zone (e.g., a room, a hallway)in a video feed, the direction of the movement of individuals in a videofeed, the temperature of individuals in a video feed, facial recognitionof individuals in a video feed, and so forth. Events are generated basedon the analysis and predefined user-configured settings. A user at theclient device is able to configure the conditions for generating anevent from the web browser 104 of the client device 102 or the clientapplication 108 of the client device 103.

The event aggregation module 244 aggregates events generated from theanalytics module 242. For example, events generated based on theanalysis and predefined/user-configured settings are aggregated in a logstored in a storage device attached to the gateway 200, in a storagedevice attached to another gateway, in a storage device attached to theweb server 110, or in a storage device connected to the client device.

The event-based control module 246 communicates a command to at leastone controlling device connected to the corresponding gateway based onan event identified in event aggregation module 244, which is based onan event configuration. For example, an event comprises a temperature ofa room reaching a predefined maximum temperature. The event-basedcontrol module 246 may communicate to the HVAC system to turn on the airconditioning system for the room if such an event occurs.

The client-based control module 248 communicates a command to one ormore controlling devices of the corresponding gateway based on a commandinitiated and communicated from the client device. For example, a userat the client device may initiate a command to pan a camera connected tothe gateway. Such command would be communicated to the camera via theclient-based control module 248.

FIG. 2D is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of thedisplay case application 209. In one embodiment, the display caseapplication includes a service call button identifier module 250, adisplay case identifier module 252, a product identifier module 254, acustomer service client device locator module 256, a communicationmodule 258, a display case switch/lock module 260, a customer servicesession recorder module 262, and an item count module 261.

The service call button identifier module 250 identifies a service callbutton in the retail store 136. For example, service call buttons may belocated throughout the retail store 136.

The display case identifier module 252 identifies a display caseassociated with the service call button in the retail store 136. In oneembodiment, there is a service call button for each display case in theretail store 136.

The product identifier module 254 identifies a product associated withthe display case identified by display case identifier module 252.

The customer service client device locator module 256 identifies aremote client device that is associated with the product inside thedisplay case. The identified client device may be located inside oroutside the retail store 136.

The communication module 258 enables an audio and/or video communicationsession between a communication device at the display case and theidentified remote client device.

The display case switch/lock module 260 controls a lock of the displaycase in response to the remote client device to allow a customer toaccess the product inside the display case.

The customer service session recorder module 262 records a communicationsession between the customer and the customer representative at theclient device. The communication session may include a video session, anaudio session or both. In one embodiment, the video/audio record may beused for feedback and for customer service training.

The storage device 212 of gateway 200 may store the audio/videocommunication session, a directory of service call button identifiers,display case identifiers, product identifiers, store identifiers, andcorresponding remote client devices. FIG. 2E illustrates an example of atable 263 stored in the storage device 212. The table 263 includes aservice call button identifier 264, a display case identifier 265, aproduct identifier 266, a store identifier 267, and a customer serviceclient device identifier 268.

As such, the customer service client device locator module 256communicates with a web server to identify the corresponding remoteclient device based on the product inside the display case. The gatewayconnects with the communication device at the display case with thecorresponding customer service client device. For example, a remoteclient device may be capable of supporting and handling all callsrelated to video games from stores located on the East coast or in apredetermined geographic area.

The item count module 261 is configured to determine the number ofproducts/items present in the display case 138. In one embodiment, thenumber of products in the display case 138 may be determined bydetermining the total weight of the items in the display case 138 usinga scale. The scale may be place inside or outside the display case 138.Other methods to determine the number of items in the products may beused (e.g., RFID, camera surveillance, etc. . . . ). The item countmodule 261 allows the customer representative at the client device toverify that the customer is grabbing the correct number of items fromthe display case.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a webserver 110 (also referred to as a web-based host). The web server 110comprises a web-based gateway management application 302 and a storagedevice 310. The web-based gateway management application 302 identifiesa gateway associated with a user at the client device, authenticateswith the user at the client device, and authenticates with theidentified gateway.

In one embodiment, the web-based gateway management application 302includes a gateway directory manager 308, a user authentication module304, and a gateway authentication module 306. The gateway directorymanager 308 identifies a gateway associated with a user profile. Forexample, a user may only be able to access a particular gateway or aparticular set of devices connected to a gateway. As such, a west coastmanager of an organization may be able to access monitored sites onlyfrom west coast stores of the organization. In contrast, a user withhigher privileges may be able to access more gateways and devices. Assuch, the CEO of an organization with stores throughout the U.S. may beable to view monitoring data from all the stores in the U.S.

In another embodiment, the gateway directory manager 308 includes aservice manager module 312 to enable add-on services to the user at theclient device. For example, the add-on services include, but are notlimited to, remote storage, remote audio, two-way audio, dynamic backup,or reporting, based on the user profile.

The user authentication module 304 authenticates the web server 110 withthe user at the client device based on the user profile. For example,the web server 110 verifies the username and password of the user at theclient device.

The gateway authentication module 306 authenticates the identifiedgateway. For example, the web server 110 receives a unique token fromthe identified gateway to authenticate the identified gateway prior toestablishing secured communication between the web server and thegateway.

The storage device 310 may be used to store user profiles, tokens fromgateways, a directory of gateways with corresponding devices, servicesfrom the gateways, a directory of gateways associated with a userprofile, and a directory of connected security devices associated with auser profile.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart 400 of one embodiment of an example method formonitoring and controlling devices attached to a gateway. At 402, a userat a client device initiates communication with a web server to accessmonitoring data from the devices connected to a gateway. At 404, the webserver directs the client device to the corresponding gateway based onthe user profile of the user at the client device. At 406, the clientdevice is able to monitor and control, from a central interface,monitoring and controlling devices connected to the identifiedgateway(s). In one embodiment, the client device receives an aggregatedview of all security devices from several correlated gateways bycommunicating with only one gateway.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart 500 of one embodiment of an example method foroperating a high value display case system. At 502, a call service isreceived from a service call button in a store. At 504, the service callbutton in the store is identified. At 506, the display case associatedwith the service call button in the store is identified. At 508, theproduct associated with the display case is identified. At 510, theremote client device inside or outside the store is identified. Theremote client device is associated with the product inside the displaycase in the store. At 512, a communication session (audio and/or video)between a communication device at the display case and the remote clientdevice is established. At 514, the lock of the display case iscontrolled in response to the remote client device to allow access tothe product inside the display case.

In one embodiment, the communication session is recorded and stored in astorage device. Furthermore, the storage device can store a directory ofservice call button identifiers, display case identifiers, productidentifiers, store identifiers, and corresponding remote client devices.

In another embodiment, the gateway communicates with a web server toidentify the corresponding remote client device based on the productinside the display case.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart 600 of one embodiment of an example method forproviding a high value display case system. At 602, a display case isprovided for housing a product in a retail store. At 604, the product inthe display case is associated with a client device that is locatedinside or outside the store. At 606, a two-way audio and/or videocommunication between a customer at the display case and a customerservice representative is enabled at the client device. The customerservice representative is associated with the product. For example, thecustomer service representative may be an expert knowledgeable about thefeatures of the product inside the display case. At 608, the customerservice representative at the client device can control a lock at thedisplay case to allow the customer access to the product in the displaycase based on the two-way audio and/or video communication.

In another embodiment, the customer service representative at the clientdevice can communicate a promotion for the product to the customer viathe two-way audio and video communication.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart 700 of one embodiment of an example method formaking use of a high value display case system. At 702, a service callbutton of a display case at a retail store is activated. At 704, acustomer communicates via audio and/or video conference with a remotecustomer service representative associated with a product housed in thedisplay case in response to the service call button being activated. At706, the customer receives a communication from the remote customerservice representative of a promotion for the product. At 708, thecustomer retrieves the product from the display case in response to theremote customer service representative remotely unlocking the displaycase.

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic representation of a machine in the exampleform of a computer system 800 within which a set of instructions may beexecuted causing the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein. In alternative embodiments, the machineoperates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) toother machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment. The machine may be a personal computer (PC), atablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), acellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge,or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential orotherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. Further,while only a single machine is illustrated, the term “machine” shallalso be taken to include any collection of machines that individually orjointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform anyone or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 800 includes a processor 802 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) orboth), a main memory 804 and a static memory 806, which communicate witheach other via a bus 808. The computer system 800 may further include avideo display unit 810 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or acathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 800 also includes analphanumeric input device 812 (e.g., a keyboard), a user interface (UI)navigation device 814 (e.g., a mouse), a disk drive unit 816, a signalgeneration device 818 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device820.

The disk drive unit 816 includes a machine-readable medium 822 on whichis stored one or more sets of instructions and data structures (e.g.,software 824) embodying or utilized by any one or more of themethodologies or functions described herein. The software 824 may alsoreside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 804and/or within the processor 802 during execution thereof by the computersystem 800, with the main memory 804 and the processor 802 alsoconstituting machine-readable media.

The software 824 may further be transmitted or received over a network826 via the network interface device 820 utilizing any one of a numberof well-known transfer protocols (e.g., HTTP).

While the machine-readable medium 822 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present invention, or that is capable of storing,encoding or carrying data structures utilized by or associated with sucha set of instructions. The term “machine-readable medium” shallaccordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-statememories, optical media, and magnetic media.

FIG. 9 is a screenshot 900 of an example of a graphical user interfaceat the client device. The screenshot 900 includes a live video feed 914from the communication device, a picture 912 of one or more products inthe display case, a picture of the face of the customer (grabbed from aframe of the video feed), information 904 on promotions related to theproduct in the display case, notes 906 for the customer servicerepresentative to fill out, a history 908 of when the display case waslocked and unlocked, and a virtual button 902 to unlock or open thedisplay case.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display case system comprising: a display caseconfigured to house a plurality of products; a gateway coupled to thedisplay case, the gateway configured to communicate with a client deviceassociated with the product in the display case; and a communicationdevice coupled to the gateway, the communication device configured toenable a communication session between the communication device and theclient device associated with the plurality of products, the clientdevice configured to remotely lock and unlock the display case to allowaccess to all products in the display case prior to a purchase of atleast one of the products, the access based on the communicationsession, the client device configured to generate a graphical userinterface comprising a video clip of a user approaching the displaycase, an image of the product, an image of a face of the user, and ahistory log of times when the display case has been opened and closed.2. The display case system of claim 1 further comprising: a service callbutton coupled to the communication device, the service call buttonconfigured to call the client device associated with the plurality ofproducts in the display case; and a switch coupled to the display case,the switch configured to lock and unlock the display case in response tothe client device, wherein the display case, the communication device,the service call button, and the switch are located in a retail store,the client device is located outside the retail store, and thecommunication session includes a video call conference.
 3. The displaycase system of claim 1 further comprising: a web server configured toidentify the client device associated with the gateway and the pluralityof products in the display case.
 4. The display case system of claim 2wherein the communication device comprises a video camera, a microphone,and a speaker.
 5. A gateway comprising: a service call button identifiermodule configured to identify a service call button in a store; adisplay case identifier module configured to identify a display caseassociated with the service call button in the store; a productidentifier module configured to identify a product plurality of productsassociated with the display case; a customer service client devicelocator module configured to identify a remote client device outside thestore, the remote client device associated with the plurality ofproducts inside the display case in the store, the remote client deviceconfigured to generate a graphical user interface comprising a videoclip of a user approaching the display case, an image of one of theplurality of products, an image of a face of the user, and a history logof times when the display case has been opened and closed; acommunication module configured to enable a video communication sessionbetween a communication device at the display case and the remote clientdevice; and a display case switch module configured to control a lock ofthe display case in response to the remote client device to allow accessto the plurality of products.
 6. The gateway of claim 5 furthercomprising: a customer service session recorder module configured torecord the video communication session; and a storage device configuredto store the video communication session, the storage device comprisinga directory of service call button identifiers, display caseidentifiers, product identifiers, store identifiers, and correspondingremote client devices.
 7. The gateway of claim 5 wherein the customerservice client device locator module is configured to communicate with aweb server to identify the corresponding remote client device based onthe plurality of products.
 8. The gateway of claim 5 further comprising:an application programming interface (API) to interface the gateway withthe remote client device; an application module to monitor or control asecurity device coupled to the gateway; a device driver to enableinteraction of the application module with the corresponding securitydevice; a web server communication module configured to enablecommunication with a web server, the client device, and other gateways,to receive additional APIs, respective application modules, andrespective device drivers, and to copy a configuration of the gateway toother gateways; a remote device management module configured toaggregate monitoring data from the security device and from othersecurity devices respectively coupled to other gateways correlated withthe gateway by the web server, and to enable the client device tomonitor or control the security device coupled to the respectivegateway, wherein the application module comprises the service callbutton identifier module, the display case identifier module, theproduct identifier module, the customer service client device locatormodule, the communication module, and the display case switch module. 9.A computer-implemented method comprising: receiving a call service froma service call button in a store; identifying the service call button inthe store; identifying a display case associated with the service callbutton in the store; identifying a plurality of products associated withthe display case; identifying a remote client device outside the store,the remote client device associated with the plurality of productsinside the display case in the store, the remote client deviceconfigured to generate a graphical user interface comprising a videoclip of a user approaching the display case, an image of the pluralityof products, an image of a face of the user, and a history log of timeswhen the display case has opened and closed; establishing a videocommunication session between a communication device at the display caseand the remote client device; and controlling a lock of the display casein response to the remote client device to allow access to all productsin the display case prior to a purchase of at least one of the products.10. The computer-implemented method of claim 9 further comprising:recording the video communication session; and storing the videocommunication session in a storage device, the storage device comprisinga directory of service call button identifiers, display caseidentifiers, product identifiers, store identifiers, and correspondingremote client devices.
 11. The computer-implemented method of claim 9further comprising: communicating with a web server to identify thecorresponding remote client device based on the plurality of products.12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a set ofinstructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor toperform operations, comprising: receiving a call service from a servicecall button in a store; identifying the service call button in thestore; identifying a display case associated with the service callbutton in the store; identifying a plurality of products associated withthe display case; identifying a remote client device outside the store,the remote client device associated with the plurality of productsinside the display case in the store, the remote client deviceconfigured to generate a graphical user interface comprising a videoclip of a user approaching the display case, an image of the pluralityof products, an image of a face of the user, and a history log of timeswhen the display case has opened and closed; establishing a videocommunication session between a communication device at the display caseand the remote client device; and controlling a lock of the display casein response to the remote client device to allow access to all productsin the display case prior to a purchase of at least one of the products.13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 12further comprising: recording the video communication session; andstoring the video communication session in a storage device, the storagedevice comprising a directory of service call button identifiers,display case identifiers, product identifiers, store identifiers, andcorresponding remote client devices.
 14. The non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium of claim 12 further comprising:communicating with a web server to identify the corresponding remoteclient device based on the plurality of products.
 15. A methodcomprising: providing a display case for housing a plurality of productsin a retail store; associating the plurality of products in the displaycase with a client device, the client device located outside the store,the client device configured to generate a graphical user interfacecomprising a video clip of a user approaching the display case, an imageof the plurality of products, an image of a face of the user, and ahistory log of times when the display case has been opened and closed;enabling a two-way audio and video communication between a customer atthe display case and a customer service representative at the clientdevice, the customer service representative associated with theplurality of products; and enabling the customer service representativeat the client device to control a lock at the display case to allow thecustomer access to all products in the display case prior to a purchaseof at least one of the products, the access based on the two-way audioand video communication.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:communicating a promotion for the plurality of products to the customerfrom the remote customer service representative via the two-way audioand video communication.
 17. A method comprising: activating a servicecall button of a display case at a retail store; communicating via audioand video conference with a remote customer service representativeassociated with a plurality of products housed in the display case inresponse to the service call button being activated, the remote customerservice representative operating a client device configured to generatea graphical user interface comprising a video clip of a user approachingthe display case, an image of the plurality of products, an image of aface of the user, and a history log of times when the display case hasbeen opened and closed; and accessing the plurality of products from thedisplay case in response to the remote customer service representativeunlocking the display case and prior to a purchase of at least one ofthe products in the display case.
 18. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising: receiving a communication from the remote customer servicerepresentative of a promotion for the plurality of products.